The Overlord of Blood and Iron

"Eeeeeeek!"

With an ear-piercing screech,

Boooooom! Vulkan's fist flew towards Kang Chul-In's head with a sonic boom.

Dangerous!

Kang Chul-In recognized the power in its fist instantly. It was incredible. He felt like he was facing a train that was charging at top speed.

Too late to dodge that.

Kang Chul-In crossed Kaiforce and Mitra just in time to stop Vulkan's fist.

Clang! With an immense sound,

"Cough!"

Blood spurted out from Kang Chul-In's mouth.

"W-What the?"

Hecate was taken aback.

"Kang Chul-In's losing? To that orangutan?"

Dorian, however, was calm.

"He won't lose."

"You still think so? Even after seeing Kang Chul-In being blown away in one shot?"

"Yup."

"What bullshit..."

"He wins every time somehow."

"...!"

"He may be hurt, but that man emerges victorious on any occasion."

"Really?"

Dorian shrugged.

"It has always been unpredictable."

"What?"

"Kang Chul-In's combat style."

"...?"

"Kang Chul-In's strong, isn't he?"

"He is."

"But he doesn't always dominate the enemy from the start. Kang Chul-In is… incredibly cunning."

"Cunningggg? That Kang Chul-In?"

Hecate was shocked to hear that from Dorian. In fact, everyone would be. Kang Chul-In would rather bulldoze his enemies down than to play mind games with them.

"Yup."

However, Dorian knew Kang Chul-In's combat style better than anyone, because he had observed his fights the most.

"That guy is cunning."

"Really?"

"Of course. Kang Chul-In never lays his cards on the table first. Even if there are risks, he would keep at least one trump card up his sleeve."

"Huh. That's unexpected."

"That's not all. Do you know why Kang Chul-In is strong?"

"Hmm?"

"He makes bold decisions when necessary. He can even put his life on stake to strike the enemy's weak points."

"Ah…?"

"In other words, Kang Chul-In has no fixed combat style. He has incredible power, speed, craftiness and boldness."

Dorian tapped his own head.

"Not only does he have amazing hardware, but Kang Chul-In also possesses commendable software."

"Hmm..."

"That's why he will win."

Dorian had just concluded his argument.

"Oi, idiot!"

Kang Chul-In lashed out at Dorian furiously.

"You dare to laze around while I'm fighting this hard?"

"E-Eek!? I-I didn't..."

"I will deal with you later."

"Ah..."

Dorian instinctively knew that mental training was on its way. He was crestfallen. It was all thanks to his big mouth. He could've stayed low this whole time.

"Hmph… not like you would've wanted me to join your fight..."

Dorian pouted, and he was right. Kang Chul-In definitely wished to battle that insane monkey alone. If not, he would've asked for help from Hecate and Dorian from the very beginning.

"Phew… Seems like you are a gorilla, not an orangutan."

Kang Chul-In wiped the bloodstains around his mouth off and mocked Vulkan.

"Kueh… you arrogant human bastard… what a big mouth you have..."

"You think that's all I've got?"

Suddenly...

Pzzzt, pzzzzt! Tremendous amounts of electricity began to spark viciously around Kang Chul-In's body.

Ssssss! And a golden aura wrapped around his body.

With that, Kang Chul-In looked stronger than ever.

"...!"

Dorian and Hecate were lost for words.

"W-What is that…!?"

Dorian was appalled.

"That's not Overdrive… what the hell… Kang Chul-In… what are you planning to do…?"

His reaction wasn't out of the ordinary. Kang Chul-In had just activated the 4th phase of Overdrive for the first time since he had returned from the past.

"Oi, gorilla."

Kang Chul-In began to approach Vulkan.

"Prepare yourself."

"...!"

"Let me pluck out all of your yellow teeth."

Having said that,

Bang! Kang Chul-In dashed towards Vulkan.

"How dare you!?"

Vulkan bellowed.

"Eeeeeeeeek!"

However...

Heh.

The moment Kang Chul-In's mouth produced a smirk,

[Overpower, activated!]

[Release, amplified!]

Both the Overpower Bracelet and Amplifier Talisman activated simultaneously.

"...!"

Vulkan was shocked to its core.

***

Thump!

Ludwig Heinel's corpse rolled across the floor.

"...!"

The Lords of the Gullveig Alliance were appalled.

Lick! That fear was exacerbated when Andrei licked the bloodstains on his lips.

"My Lords."

Andrei turned around to face his audience.

"Ludwig Heinel was being disrespectful. He may have been guaranteed the Overlord title in the near future, but Neptune Spear and I are already Overlords."

In other words, he was killed for his poor attitude.

"Also, look at Her Majesty Mei Ling standing over there. She is now more noble than both of us Overlords. Although she may have succeeded Chairman Vilhelm and Vice-chairman Ao Xin, she is still the queen of a nation. She even has an honorable title that was granted by the system - who can ever question her legitimacy? Mocking her is an unforgivable sin. And..."

Andrei continued.

"If Ludwig Heinel had been respectful while presenting his argument, I wouldn't have touched him at all. We are standing in the very core of the Gullveig Alliance. Violence in this venue can put everyone's life at risk."

He was right. Honestly speaking, Ludwig had gone slightly over the top.

"You are right."

"I will humbly accept any criticism, but not insults or violence. Let Ludwig Heinel's death be a good example for all of you."

It was a warning. She had essentially declared that she would kill anyone who dared to mess around.

"My dear Lords,"

Mei Ling resumed her speech.

"I'm aware that many of you aren't very pleased with me on the throne. But I wish for all of you to believe in me and give me your support even just once. If you do… I promise to reward you correspondingly."

Mei Ling was quite a clever woman.

She was offering both the stick and the carrot.

"I, the Heavenly Queen of the North, pledge not to interfere with the sovereignty of everyone in this venue. Moreover, I will issue war bonds with high dividends to ensure maximum profits for all. Furthermore, I promise to divide the Valhalla Kingdom's territory equally upon our alliance's victory."

Mei Ling continued to persuade the Lords with sweet words. They were sufficient to dissipate the heavy atmosphere from moments ago.

"Erm… Your Majesty."

Dimitri, the rank 12th Lord, cautiously inquired.

"Can we really trust your words?"

"Of course."

Mei Ling nodded.

"However, Your Majesty… your promises are..."

"Too much, aren't they?"

"..."

"Yes, I know. It sounds unbelievable, but I'm speaking nothing but the truth."

"Can you prove it?"

"Certainly."

Having said that,

"Look."

Mei Ling whipped out tens of scrolls and waved them at the Lords.

"...!"

The Lords were surprised. Of course they were. Those scrolls were spiritual contracts - vows that nobody could disobey.

"Is this enough?"

Mei Ling asked the Lords.

"O-Of course!"

"We can trust you, Your Majesty!"

"We will lend you our strengths!"

There were no questions. Since Mei Ling had brandished the spiritual contracts, she had gained 100% credibility.

"Good."

Mei Ling nodded in satisfaction.

"Well then, can I assume that I have your consensus to become the second chairman of the Gullveig Alliance?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The Lords replied simultaneously. There was no reason to hesitate. The conditions that Mei Ling had proposed were incredible and too tempting to refuse.

"Then, I, Mei Ling, the Heavenly Queen of the North, shall henceforth become the second chairman of the Gullveig Alliance..."

Mei Ling announced.

"And officially declare to conquer that demon Kang Chul-In and his kingdom. Those who agree, please raise your hand."

The Lords raised their hands enthusiastically to show their support. In the end, everyone agreed to her. Except, of course, the dead Ludwig Heinel.

***

"Keeeeeeek!"

Vulkan released a devastating scream.

Bam, bam! Kang Chul-In, who favored fists over swords, tossed Kaiforce and Mitra away and began to pummel Vulkan without mercy. It was hard to watch. Kang Chul-In 'dissected' Vulkan using his fist, elbow, knee, head and more. The thousand-year-old monkey had to experience a level of humiliation like never before. So what if it had a body that could withstand lava? In front of Kang Chul-In, Vulkan was nothing but a durable sandbag.

Crack! Kang Chul-In grabbed Vulkan's head.

"Oi, monkey."

"Keeeek..."

"Say that again."

"..."

"What?"

Vulkan couldn't say anything. No, he had nothing to say. He had never imagined getting beaten up by a mere human.

"A-Actually..."

"You dared to act so high and mighty?"

Having said that,

Bam! Kang Chul-In rubbed his fist against Vulkan's head.

"Kuekkkkkkkkkkkk!"

Vulkan made a pig-like squeal.

"Know your place, gorilla."

"I-I'm sorry…!"

"Shut up!"

"..."

"Shut up and taste my fists."

"E-Eek?!"

Kang Chul-In continued to pummel Vulkan for another 10 minutes.

Brrrr…! The thousand-year-old monkey fainted with foam in its mouth.

"No substance but still so cocky."

Heh.

Kang Chul-In smiled as he stared at Vulkan.

"Wow… strong..."

Hecate mumbled.

"Yeah..."

So did Dorian.

"Nobody can stop him now… scary..."

Dorian, who had been trying his best to catch up with Kang Chul-In, was about to give up.

[Quest complete!]

At that moment, a notification popped up in front of Kang Chul-In, Dorian and Hecate.

[Proof of Strength, clear!]

[Rewards given!]

[You've obtained an item upgrade ticket! (Epic rank → Immortal rank)]

In addition, Kang Chul-In claimed a tremendous amount of experience points for defeating such a high-level monster, which led to multiple level-ups.

[Level up! Level 97!]

[Level up! Level 98!]

[Level up! Level 99!]

Level 99. It was a pity he couldn't reach level 100, but he had now reached an incredibly high level!

***

Mei Ling met Brynhildr a day after she had assumed the presidency.

"I apologize, Your Majesty."

Brynhildr kneeled in front of Mei Ling.

"I failed to protect Chairman Vilhelm and Vice-chairman Ao Xin due to my absence."

"Not at all, Brynhildr."

Mei Ling shook her head.

"You didn't do anything wrong."

"..."

"Strictly speaking, you weren't even an official knight for my dead husband."

Mei Ling was right. Brynhildr didn't stay in Pangaea all the time. In fact, he spent more time on Earth than in Panagea.

Therefore, Brynhildr was more of a hitman and mercenary who occasionally offered his hand to Vilhelm.

"Anyway… why did you come here?"

Mei Ling went straight to the point.

"There's no reason for you to find the Gullveig Alliance, since my husband is now dead. If it's due to your guilt..."

"Can I be honest with you?"

"...!"

"As long as you permit it, I will share my honest thoughts with you."

Brynhildr told her.

"Sure."

Mei Ling nodded.

"Go ahead."

"As for Chairman Vilhelm's death… I'm not apologetic, to be honest."

"I know."

"My relationship with the dead chairman was like what you've mentioned just now. We took advantage of each other, nothing more or less."

"I know that too. But… I do have one question. May I ask?"

"Certainly."

"What Vilhelm wanted was your combat strength. A power great enough to challenge Kang Chul-In, the Supreme King of the West."

"Exactly."

"Then what did you want from Vilhelm?"

"..."

"What did you wish for, Brynhildr?"

"Kang Chul-In."

"...!"

"I wanted to stop him."

"That means..."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I became Vilhelm's partner only because he was the rank 2nd Overlord and the chairman of the Gullveig Alliance. I can fight Kang Chul-In, but I lack an army."

"Then as to why you are here..."

"Yes."

Brynhildr nodded.

"I saw the video in which Kang Chul-In brutally murdered Chairman Vilhelm and Vice-chairman Ao Xin."

"..."

"He's insane."

"Right… he is a devil."

"I decided not to leave my post anymore. So please take me in, Your Majesty. I will put an end to Kang Chul-In's rampage."

"...!"

"Mei Ling, the Heavenly Queen of the North… I will be your sword."

Brynhildr's proposal was simple. He wanted to switch partners after Vilhelm had died.

"I understand, Brynhildr. It will certainly be great to have you as my sword. However..."

"..."

"You've already lost twice to Kang Chul-In. You will stop him, you say…? That doesn't sound too persuasive."

So blunt! That was enough to dent Brynhildr's pride.